Specification Magazine January 2024

05-07 March 2024 / ExCeL, London

05 - 07 March 2024 ExCeL, London

what will you take a stand for?

Driving Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Built Environment at the sectors most influential, large scale exhibition and conference.

Futurebuild is more than an event; it’s a call for action. It’s a platform to engage and collaborate, and a stage for debate. It’s three days of education and dissemination of knowledge, and a showcase of innovation.

Take a stand for a better built environment.

www.futurebuild.co.uk

Enquiry 1

Join us at Futurebuild 2024

Welcome

Welcome Construction starts edge higher as optimism increases

H

appy New Year to you and 2024 commences on a slightly more positive note, following a universally grim 2023.

Industry analysts Glenigan report that although seasonal factors helped drag the value of project-starts down during the final three months of 2023, when adjusted for various relevant factors the number starts actually rose 4%, compared to the third quarter of the year.

Howells Patent Glazing, experts since 1973 in manufacturing, supply and installation of unique roof glazing systems for the private, public and commercial sectors.

•

Northlights, double and single pitch rooflights, patent glazing, canopies, vents & guttering

•

Auto CAD drawings

It was certainly welcome news following the festive period and yet another challenging 12 months for the industry as a whole.

•

U values of 0.4w/m2 (under specialist conditions)

•

Weather tightness tested to current British standards

Even more encouragingly, some verticals rallied, especially private residential construction, which contributed to 14% overall residential sector increase in Q.4.

•

Quality assurance to ISO 9001:2015

•

Members of council for aluminium in building

•

Railway stations, shopping centres, schools, heritage buildings, industrial & commercial buildings, together with domestic applications, swimming pools and conservatories

•

Prebuilt range rooflights, 14 day turnaround

In the non-residential realm, the community and amenity, hotel and leisure, and retail categories also posted strong results during the Index period.

Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “As expected, seasonal factors affected work commencing on-site during the final quarter of the year. However, after adjusting for the Christmas wind-down, starts managed to edge slightly higher during these three months. “This was partly driven by a modest rise in private housing projects, indicating that developers may be entering the New Year with renewed confidence. Less encouraging were the declines in nonresidential and civil engineering project-starts, which have continued to weaken. This suggests the construction sector can expect tough times in the near term.

“It means March’s Spring Budget will be hotly anticipated.

Many contractors will be expecting the Government, especially in an election year, to clarify or update on the big infrastructure projects put forward in 2023, particularly following the rollback on HS2 plans last year, as part of a wider package to kick-start activity.”

Glenigan’s recent Construction Industry Forecast 2024-25 which concluded that the industry could look forward to 8% growth in underlying project starts (under £100 million) in 2024 and a further 7% in 2025.

Meanwhile, the prospect of a general election this year and renewed political focus on housing shortages bodes well for publicly funded construction, particularly social housing.

01384 820060 www.howellsglazing.co.uk info@howellsglazing.co.uk Howells Patent Glazing Ltd - Triton Works, Woods Lane, Cradley Heath, Warley, West Midlands B64 7AN

Paul Groves || Group Editor Enquiry 2

3

MERMET Technical Solar Shading Fabrics MERMET manufacturers of technical solar shading fabrics for internal and external use, helping you achieve your LEED & Breeam goals.

Are you seeking to achieve LEED and Breeam certification?

Did you know SOLAR SHADING is a critical component in achieving this?

DE LEEUW LTD. Reflex-Rol (UK) & Mermet (UK) are the trading divisions of De Leeuw Ltd.

Enquiry 3

www.mermet.co.uk

info@mermet.co.uk

01989 750910

Magazine

SPECIFICATION

14

This month’s features: Sector Reports: • Hotel, Sport & Leisure • Retirement & Care Homes

Features: • External Walls • Structures & Building Systems

Contents

January 2024

www.specificationonline.co.uk ll www.letstalkspecification.co.uk

• Floors, Walls & Ceilings • Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Tailored, reliable appliance solutions.

Learn more

DESIGNED TO PERFORM, B U I LT T O L A S T.

News Tailored, reliable appliance solutions

6 Latest News

23

12 Project

Providing tailored home appliance solutions for new build residential projects, Beko plc Appliance Partners offer a range of innovative and stylish products from their Beko and Grundig brands.

Sector Reports 38

16 Hotel, Sport & Leisure 22 Retirement & Care Homes

Their dedicated team of Specification Managers recommend the most suitable solution for each individual project, specifying products featuring innovative technology designed to reduce water and energy consumption. The company offer an exceptional endto-end service, providing support throughout the specification process and beyond.

See pages 42 - 43 for more information.

Enquiry - 44

TSP Media Ltd, Grosvenor House, Central Park, Telford, TF2 9TW

Features in Focus

46

T: 01952 234000 E: info@tspmedia.co.uk www.tspmedia.co.uk

26 External Walls

Products in Focus

32 Structures & Building Systems

48 News & Developments

36 Floors, Walls & Ceilings

50 Building Services

42 Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

51 Doors & Windows

Follow us @MySpecNews

5

News

NHBC publishes latest edition of Technical Standards NHBC, the UK’s leading new homes warranty and insurance provider, has released its Technical Standards for 2024.

The NHBC Standards define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with NHBC and provide guidance on how these can be achieved.

NHBC’s Standards are rigorously reviewed to drive incremental improvement and ensure that they continue to support builders and developers to deliver highquality new homes.

There have been several significant changes and updates across Parts 3 to 8.

These include, but are not limited to: • a new chapter 4.6 – ‘Engineered fill’ in Part 4 covering NHBC guidance on meeting the Technical Requirements and recommendations for using engineered fill to support residential developments, external works and infrastructures • extensive revisions to chapter 6.1 including the provision of cavity trays to complicated junctions and additional insight on the design and specification of windposts • updates to chapter 6.3 regarding

•

•

internal masonry walls and firestopping details improvements to chapter 7.2 to provide more information on durability, ventilation strategies, integration of roof solar technologies and roof cassette systems a revision of Part 8 (chapters 8.1 – 8.6) to improve the usability of the sections and improve guidance on heat pumps and solar photovoltaics, ensuring alignment with the Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition), and weep hole locations in relation to gas meter boxes.

Mark Russell, Standards & Policy Manager at NHBC commented: “Our standards team is committed to continuous improvement and revising the Standards annually to ensure they remain current and relevant.

I am proud to be part of such a robust process that continues to support the ongoing advancement of build quality and helps builders and developers to keep raising standards in house building.”

This latest edition of the Standards will apply to every new home registered with NHBC where the foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2024.

Life sciences facility completes A new five-storey multi-occupancy life sciences facility at Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) has recently completed with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed as first tenant.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg for campus developer, Prologis UK, 1000 Discovery Drive forms part of a world-class, expanding life sciences and biotech ecosystem at Cambridge Biomedical Campus which brings together clinical, academic and commercial excellence.

The new speculatively developed building brings 103,000 sq ft of new state-of-the-art laboratory, office and amenity space to Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Plans for 137-home retirement scheme unveiled Later living developer-operator Untold Living has submitted plans to Eastbourne Borough Council for a 139-home seafront integrated retirement community (IRC).

The mid-market retirement specialist, which is backed by Matter Real Estate, completed the acquisition of a prime 2.5acre seafront site at Sovereign Harbour in November from Birch Limited, a Richardson family company.

Subject to planning consent, Untold Living will deliver an IRC comprising a range of one and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the English Channel.

6

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Be-Line

®

Shower seat DELABIE, expert in sanitary ware for public places, has launched its new Be-Line® shower seat, combining pleasing aesthetics and comfort.

Inclusive design: sleek lines, visual contrast is suitable for all Comfort: large ergonomic seat, lift-up seat frees up space in shower

Removable: easy to remove, locking system prevents theft Maximum safety: tested to over 200kg, 10-year warranty, CE marked

DELABIE’s solutions: 100% Hygiene 90% Water and energy savings

DELABIE, expert in Water controls and sanitary ware for Public and Commercial Places, is saving water and energy, without compromising design, high-performance and responsible products.

Enquiry 4 More information at delabie.co.uk

News

Engineers call for building design that will repair the natural world An impassioned appeal for a profound transformation in the global built environment sector to take a more radical approach to design and construction is made by leading regenerative thinkers and engineers Oliver Broadbent and James Norman in their new book.

The regenerative structural engineer, published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), is a creative call by the authors for fundamental change that challenges engineers and the wider built environment industry to think and design differently - to do more good.

While detailing technical issues, the book is also clear, accessible and written with the non-expert in mind, using UK and global case studies to draw on a number of existing projects and practices. These all illustrate how a regenerative transition can be achieved in a way that feels plausible and deliverable.

The book takes a deep dive into broad themes of holistic sustainability, community co-creation, and their links to design and construction. The content confronts the factors that have limited regenerative progress so far:

• • • •

the notion of continuous economic growth; the problem of aiming to just “do less harm”, and missing that target; the issue of focussing mainly on carbon instead of addressing the wider system; and the failure to consider how the damage already done to the planet’s life support systems can be healed.

James Norman, Professor of Sustainable Design at the University of Bristol, says: “These factors point to the urgent need for a new design approach so that the impact of our work across the built environment increases the health of our planet and communities.”

Oliver Broadbent, 1851 Fellow in Regenerative Design, adds: “The aim of regenerative design is for human and living systems to survive, thrive and co-evolve.

Our book advocates adopting a systems thinking approach to change, one that takes a holistic approach to design and construction. We illustrate this using case studies, diagrams and metaphors, making this complex subject accessible to the reader.” The book explains the role of the structural engineer in this

regenerative approach - one that depends on collaboration and challenging existing ways of thinking.

Council leads the way in outdoor facilities Despite the encroachment of winter, now is the time for amenities and development managers to start thinking about how they can prepare for the arrival of Summer 2024.

Placefirst reveals £35m scheme Newly released images have revealed how a multi-million-pound development will “completely transform” Bolton town centre.

In February 2021 BCP Council (formerly Bournemouth Council) were doing just that in readiness for Summer and decided to tackle the problems and issues caused by disposable barbeques with the installation of ten Christie Cooktops. Christies barbeque cooktops

are a common sight in Australia, where the culture of shared outside cooking experiences has been established for many years. The robust units are designed specifically for repeated and continuous use, with a heavy duty Stainless Steel grill plate offering a versatile cooking surface.

Taking this leap has paid off for BCP Council, with the cooktops proving incredibly popular. So much so that they added a further 18 cooktops in 2022.

The computer-generated images have been unveiled by award-winning build-to-rent (BTR) developer Placefirst and depict its new £35m scheme, which has today been officially named as Deansgate Gardens.

The development, located opposite the former Beales department store and a stone’s throw from Bolton’s Town Hall, will deliver 167 new high-quality, sustainable homes for long-term private rent, as well as extensive public realm and commercial space.

8

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Trusted to deliver quality products Order online by 9pm for next day delivery*

PRICE DR PS

23% OFF

on top trade essentials

£

Now

142.49 Each + VAT Was £185.50

Rated excellent 9870 Electromagnetic Fire Door Closer - Silver Product code: 770187

120 mins

Enquiry 5

Scan me

0300 303 88 21

IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

Scan the code to shop with us today *T&Cs: Prices shown are trade prices ex VAT. Prices correct at time of printing, please go online for up-to-date pricing. For next day delivery, order online by 9pm or via our contact centre by 8pm Sun-Fri (4pm Sat). Exclusions apply. See website for full delivery T&Cs.

News

Lintel solutions meet the non-combustible challenge Following the introduction of the government’s revised Building Regulations Document B in 2019, mandating more rigorous fire safety measures, specifiers have been required to find solutions that meet the new Class A1 non-combustible Standards. Arron Ross, Specification Executive at Keystone Lintels looks into the use of non-combustible materials on exterior walls of certain multi-occupancy residential buildings over 11 metres tall.

Non-combustable-Cavity-Tray

to be reopened is problems relating to joints, DPCs and cavity trays.

Improving build quality In buildings over 11m in height, Building Regulations Approved Document B prevents the use of plastic DPCs. Galvanised lintels cannot be used without a DPC, since the DPC protects the galvanised surface from corrosion induced by chemicals present within mortars. Stainless steel trays also cannot be used with mild steel galvanised lintels, as the reaction between the two materials would result in bi-metallic corrosion.

A

major concern following the Grenfell Tower tragedy was how future fires could be contained to prevent them spreading across the external face of buildings. This challenge highlights how modern buildings have become complex assemblies of high-performing components, with each element needing to satisfy rigorous standards. For specifiers, sourcing affordable products that meet all regulatory, performance, and third-party certification criteria has become increasingly difficult, while the unintended regulatory consequences further complicate matters.

In response to these changes, and the ban on combustible materials in some buildings over 11 metres in height, manufacturers have been forced to look to at their existing products and whether or not they conform to new regulations. As a result, some manufacturers have been forced to either modify their current products, create new innovative solutions, or abandon the high-rise market altogether.

Working with the industry including housebuilders, accreditation bodies, warranty providers, architects and brickwork contractors, Keystone Lintels developed an innovative product which addresses both the updated regulations and issues with existing cavity trays whilst at the same time providing builders with a simple, easy to install product. According to the NHBC the single biggest reason for buildings already occupied

10

NCCTL CavityTray

For use in an exterior masonry skin in conjunction with a non-masonry inner leaf such as a steel frame system, the NonCombustible Cavity Tray Lintel (NCCTL) is a highly efficient and practical solution to the challenge of Non-Combustible cavity detailing. This innovative product is a practical solution to provide both structural support and cavity tray protection over openings within the external wall of high rise buildings. One unique and key feature of this new product is that it is self-supporting and does not require the use of tapes and mastic sealants because of the fact it has specially positioned, mechanically fixed stop ends.

Moreover, the installation of a regular noncombustible cavity tray over a channel lintel “fouls” wall ties, which should be installed 300mm above an opening. This results in punctures in the cavity tray having to

be sealed around on site, which in turn introduces unnecessary risk of water ingress at openings. Installing the NCCTL reduces this congestion within the cavity, freeing up space and leaving a far tidier detail.

Produced entirely in a high-quality grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, the NCCTL product is Class A1 fire rated and is ideal for applications requiring Document B compliance. With buildings required to be a minimum of Class A2, this solution has the highest rating of A1, offering an exceptional safety rating that will futureproof a building.

As a result, specifiers designing to the best possible standard will ensure that each building is considerably safer and futureproof than if it was designed to the minimum standard which could eventually become outdated and require costly retrofitting at a later date.

In a post-Grenfell world, ensuring fire safety involves more than simply choosing the right materials. There must also be a collective responsibility regarding fire safety, with specifiers collaborating with manufacturers at the earliest stages of a project to ensure the most appropriate systems are in place.

Addiscombe-Oaks

It’s more than a roof It’s a Marley Solar Roof System.

You may just see a roof. But by specifying a complete Marley Solar Roof System, you can be sure of a secure and robust solution, that also delivers more desirable, energy efficient homes.

It’s more than a roof, it’s building to make a difference.

Enquiry 6

marley.co.uk

LEARN MORE

Project

Project: Oasis Academy Silvertown Architects: Rivington Street Studio Suppliers: Vandersanden Brick; Alumasc Roofing; Kawneer; Taylor Maxwell

A striking educational superblock setting high standards Situated at the heart of an emerging community in West Silvertown, the new Oasis Academy provides a co-educational, all-inclusive secondary school for 600 students.

A

rranged as a multi-storey ‘superblock’ on the former fire station site, the building design incorporates outdoor social space at different levels and a fullsized sports pitch on its roof.

The site is surrounded by a mix of red brick residential properties, derelict industrial land and vast stretches of master-planned residential and commercial properties. These are all very different conditions with which the school knits together.

The warm white brickwork and large openings relate to the existing and new residential properties and to the monumental listed Silo D nearby. The thick external walls are folded to provide a layered façade in response to the elements. A colonnade to the North Woolwich Road acts as a visitor entrance and engenders a civic quality to the building, whilst the colourful lightweight

12

infill at ground level allows for generous pedestrian movement and a deep threshold between the public domain and secure school environment.

The building has been designed using the DfE Output Specification alongside the BB103 Area Guidelines for Schools and achieves a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.

At the heart of an emerging community in West Silvertown, the Oasis Academy is an allinclusive secondary school for 600 students on a constrained .25-hectare site. Arranged as a multi-storey ‘superblock’, the building incorporates outdoor social space at different levels and a full-sized sports pitch on its roof.

The warm white Perla brickwork and large openings relate to the existing and new residential properties and the monumental listed Silo D nearby.

The building’s thick external walls are folded to provide a layered façade in response to the elements. A double-height colonnade to the North Woolwich Road acts as a visitor entrance and engenders a civic quality to the building while also allowing for generous pedestrian movement and a deep threshold between the public domain and secure school environment. >>

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

NON-COMBUSTIBLE UPSTAND BOARD

A2

Enquiry 7

Project >> The site is surrounded by a mix of red brick residential properties, derelict industrial land and vast stretches of master-planned residential and commercial properties. “We wanted the Academy to stand out from this landscape,” explains Éimear Murphy, associate director at Rivington Street Studio.

“Vandersanden’s white Perla bricks give the building a monumental quality, highlighting that it’s for the community and is not an apartment block.”

Taylor Maxwell, the brick supplier, suggested Vandersanden’s Perla brick for the project. “What we really liked about Perla is that it’s not only a white brick, with no variation in the colour, but it has quite a rustic, handmade texture that gives it a warm feel rather than a shiny and engineered surface finish,” says Murphy.

There were various challenges to creating the brickwork details. The sharp angles associated with the brick fins on the side elevations meant there were a lot of brick specials so these were scheduled with plans drawn through the fins at every other course at the different levels. The contractor then cut the bricks to the schedule. This was made possible because the Perla bricks are exactly the same colour all the way through.

For the canted reveals of the double-height colonnade to the main elevation, brick slip panels were used. Rivington Street Studio worked with the brick subcontractor to develop a bespoke detail and different mock-ups were trialled. The brick slips are seamless in appearance, matching with the full bricks used elsewhere.

The canted reveals to the windows on the south elevation were envisioned through extensive 3D modelling and the Perla bricks again proved highly versatile during construction.

To achieve a homogenous feel to the building, the mortar was matched to the brick. From a distance, the structure resembles a white cube but, as you get closer, the surface detail of the mortar joints and brick texture starts appearing.

At different times of the day, the building’s appearance changes as patterns of light and shade move across the texture of the bricks.

“The Vandersanden bricks are incredibly high quality and the through colour simplified the construction process because the bricks could simply be cut to suit the building’s geometry, enthuses Murphy. “Another important factor was the excellent consistency of the batches as this was essential to achieving the building’s monolithic, one-colour look.”

Photos: Rachel Ferriman Photography; Simon Kenny Photography

14

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Project

Stellar Aluminium selected for Cambridgeshire library 41 Stellar Flush Casement Windows by Epwin Window Systems have been manufactured and installed in St Neots Library in Cambridgeshire as part of a renovation project to improve the building’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Regulations with standard double-glazed units, whilst offering a high-level of security. They also deliver up to 12% more glass area than a comparable window, maximising natural light and further reducing artificial lighting resource, something that is increasingly important in an age of high energy bills.

T

he contract was awarded to an experienced Stellar Approved Commercial Partner. The aluminium windows are extremely energy efficient by design and meet the requirements of Part L of Building

Stellar windows have outstanding aesthetics that enhance every building.

For this project, the 41 Flush Casement Windows were manufactured in RAL 8016M, Chocolate Brown to retain the building’s original appearance. Several features of the project demonstrate the versatility and flexibility

of Stellar. All non-opening windows were constructed using dummy sashes to retain a flush appearance across the building’s envelope. Trickle vents were incorporated into window mullions because the building’s plaster line meant they could not be fitted into the frame. For safety, all windows were fitted with 100mm restrictors. The project ran to schedule due to meticulous planning and quick-fitting properties of Stellar.

The Approved contractor said: “This highprofile public building demonstrates how Stellar Aluminium’s credentials are opening up opportunities across the commercial sector. The windows have provided a sleek aesthetic to the building’s architecture and provided a warm and inviting atmosphere for the library’s customers.”

Epwin Window Systems – Enquiry 8

Epwin Window Systems Commercial

Setting new standards in sustainable glazing solutions Offering the largest choice of futureproof window and door systems in the market, in both PVC-U and aluminium systems.

Discover Epwin Window Systems.

T 0845 340 3968 E commercial@epwin.co.uk www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk Enquiry 9

Technical advice and design service from industry experts

Tried and tested solutions with U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K

Large network of Approved contractors

CERTIFIED

EMS 86980 ISO 14001

15

Hotel, Sport & Leisure

Wallbarn’s ‘one system’ approach to paved or decked spaces A well-designed, specified and installed paving or decking area can form the crowning glory of an outdoor space. But what lies beneath these beautifully designed areas - and the finish selected to complete them has the potential to make or break a new-build or retrofit project, as Julian Thurbin, of specialist pedestal manufacturer Wallbarn, outlines.

M

any paved, tiled or decked outdoor spaces are supported by a hidden substructure system of pedestals/ rails which must, to ensure the safety of users, be robust enough to withstand loads placed upon them.

This is especially important if designers expect heavy traffic and/or place planters, art or heavy furniture on the suspended surface.

Substructures must also offer flexibility to deal with deck falls, interruptions in the deck surface or different surface finishes such as paving or decking.

High performance substructure and paving/ decking systems are key to the successful completion of hard landscaping projects, especially those accessible to the public.

We’ve been supplying both elements for more than 40 years and know the importance of achieving the desired aesthetics of a paved or decked space supported by a secure and long-lasting substructure designed specifically for each project.

Safety and performance are our top priorities and we’ve invested in developing a portfolio of pedestals, rails and finishes suitable for almost any installation, including those requiring Class A1 fire rating for at-height installations.

Pedestals Pedestals are used to support paving or decking at street level or on roof terraces/ balconies. Wallbarn has a wide variety of systems to suit almost every application, from entry level fixed-height solutions to self-levelling, adjustable and heavyweight pedestals. All provide a ‘floating floor’ with uniform, flat surfaces which separate paving/ decking from the base structure, improving drainage, protecting the surface beneath and avoiding the need for sand and cement.

For many specifiers and end clients a huge benefit of using pedestals is quick installation, the ability to cope with complex shapes/ pitches and ease of maintenance – flooring elements such as slabs and decking can easily be removed for inspection or repair and services can be run in the space beneath.

Selecting the correct system for a project depends upon its needs, complexity, weight of the paving etc. Wallbarn’s technical experts have years of experience and can assist with the design and specification process to ensure a fit-for-purpose installation that is technically suitable, safe, long-lasting and cost-effective.

Finishes Wallbarn has a range of paving and decking to suit most installations, including sustainable and ultra-hardwearing bamboo decking; Exadeck extruded and rectified (so dead straight and flat) fire-rated porcelain decking that is anti-slip, remains cool to the touch, is perfect for exteriors and delivers a beautiful and cost-effective finish; a WPC commercial-grade composite decking that is scratch-resistant; Class A cement fibre and aluminium decking.

Low-maintenance Suspended pedestal systems are a quick and cost-effective method of providing an efficient and low-maintenance support solution for any size of paving and decking.

Wallbarn offers market-leading complete solutions - full substructure systems and compatible paving and decking finishes, clients can benefit from one supplier, one point of contact and one overall warranty.

Wallbarn – Enquiry 10

16

All sectors of the water leisure industry from pools, spas, saunas, hydrotherapy, steam rooms and play equipment, in the domestic and commercial arenas, are represented at SPATEX.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR FREE VISIT:

IMAGE COURTESY OF XL POOLS – WWW.XLPOOLS.COM

WWW.SPATEX.CO.UK OR CALL +44 (0)1264 358558

Enquiry 11

Hotel, Sport & Leisure

Mapei system repairs & transforms outdoor pool, from the ground up Mapei has provided a repair and installation solution for a swimming pool in the heart of Norfolk.

T

he Mapei system was used to completely renovate the 15m outdoor swimming pool from the base up, and install Cupira Marengo porcelain tiles from Ceramica Mayor. All Mapei products were supplied by Construction Site Supplies and the project was completed by D C Building Services.

Originally constructed of concrete during the Pandemic, the three-year old outdoor pool showed extensive signs of failure; the breeze block shell was misshapen, there was substantial gapping around pipe outlets and the base was severely cracked across its entire length. The comprehensive Mapei specification was used to repair, waterproof and seal the concrete base and install porcelain tiles within the pool and across the surrounding patio.

In the first phase of works, the pool base was repaired with Mapei Planitop Fast 330 quick-setting, fibre-reinforced cementitious

18

levelling mortar and then waterproofed with Mapelastic Foundation flexible cementitious mortar, incorporating Mapenet 150 alkaliresistant glass fibre mesh and Mapeband 120mm alkali-resistant rubber and felt tape for dealing with movement.

D C Building Services then repaired the concrete around the inlet/outlet pipes with a single layer of rapid-set Mapei Planitop Smooth and Repair R4 – a shrinkage compensated, thixotropic, fibre-reinforced cementitious mortar.

The whole of the drainage channel was then waterproofed using Mapei Planiseal 88 osmotic cementitious mortar and Mapeproof Swell applied – a moisture expanding, rubber-based hydrophilic sealant – to make joints around pipework and lights waterproof.

During the final phase of works, tiles were installed with Keraquick S1 – a very low VOC quick-setting, deformable cementitious

adhesive, mixed with elasticising latex, Mapei Latex Plus.

The porcelain tile specification included 37.5 x 75cm tiles for the pool, 60 x 120 cm tiles for the pool surround and matching trim pieces for corners and to create the step. The installation spanned approx. 150m2 (inside pool), 205m2 (pool surround) and 65m2 (plant room building).

The installation was completed with carbon neutral Ultracolor Plus – an antiefflorescence, quick-setting and drying polymer-modified grout, featuring waterrepellent DropEffect® and mould-resistant BioBlock®; ultra-fast setting and drying hydraulic binder – Lamposilex – and mould resistant silicone sealant, Mapesil AC. For more information about Mapei products and applications, please contact: info@mapei.co.uk or visit www.mapei.co.uk.

Mapei – Enquiry 12

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

SEE US AT FUTUREBUILD STAND C46

MetalPad EX substructure & Exadeck porcelain decking

The Class A solution for rooftop living EXPERTS IN ALL DECKING & SUBSTRUCTURE PROJECTS FROM GROUND LEVEL TO 11M+

• Fully compliant, high performance comprehensive decking & substructure systems for 11m+ • Stunningly beautiful, complete fire-rated decking systems • Premium quality, long lasting, fully tested

Call us on 020 4527 4220 www.wallbarn.com Enquiry 13

Hotel, Sport & Leisure

Passivent makes the grade at historic Northumberland Hall Leading natural ventilation solutions manufacturer Passivent has helped breathe new life into the Grade II listed Matfen Hall in Northumberland following an extensive refurbishment programme designed by Doonan Architects.

T

he refurbishment of this gothic hall, which dates back to 1832, has greatly enhanced this stunning hotel and wedding venue set in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. Passivent worked closely with specialist building environment and services engineers Skelly & Couch to develop a natural ventilation strategy for the hall’s newly covered external courtyards.

This led to the use of Passivent’s high performance Aircool wall ventilators beneath the striking rooflight in order to maintain a fresh air supply to the enclosed area that has now been created.

In total, ten Aircool wall ventilators were installed by Passivent’s client, J P Westhall, in the lower courtyard, with seven in the upper courtyard. Passivent also supplied a two-zone iC8000 intelligent controller which monitors the internal and external temperature and carbon dioxide level to allow the facilities team to control the natural ventilation system.

Close collaboration was key to the successful delivery of the ventilation system, with Skelly & Couch working with Passivent very early in the design stage to access the relevant technical product information and calculate the required free area. This information was then passed back to Passivent so the Aircool wall ventilator’s aperture could be sized accordingly.

Commenting on the large-scale renovation project, Rosie Jones, associate at Skelly & Couch said: “On such a complex restoration project as this, it was essential that we not only identified the right product but found the right supply chain partner.

The Passivent team was extremely efficient and provided us with all the product information we needed in a range of formats so we could advance the technical design of the ventilation strategy effectively.

The team’s contribution ensured the specification process went smoothly and we would certainly look to use Passivent ventilation products again in the future.”

Nathan White, General Manager at Matfen Hall added: “We are delighted with the work that has taken place here at the hall. The refurbishment not only enhances the natural beauty of the hotel but will provide us with much more flexibility for events taking place all year round.

“The covered courtyard has become a real focal point and both the rooflight and the natural ventilation system that are now in place will ensure

20

this stunning outdoor space can be enjoyed to the full for many more years to come.”

Passivent’s Aircool range features both insulated wall and window ventilators that are fully controllable and ideally suited for use within the external facades of all types of buildings.

The electrically actuated dampers provide controlled air intake, making them the perfect partner for natural and passive ventilation strategies. The Aircool range of ventilators is also suitable for night-time cooling strategies where daytime heat build-up is purged from the structure during the night.

They also have excellent weatherability which allows the units to remain open even in inclement weather conditions. Passivent offers a number of options for its Aircool system including standard, thermal, acoustic and hybrid versions.

To find out more, visit www.passivent.com, call 01732 850 770 or email projects@passivent.com. Follow us on LinkedIn to be kept up to date with the latest news.

Passivent – Enquiry 14

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Hotel, Sport & Leisure

CCF helps deliver the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre Building on its own commitment to sustainable construction, leading insulation, drywall, and ceiling products distributor CCF has supported the delivery of the UK’s first low carbon leisure facility and public pool.

S

t Sidwell’s Point in Exeter is the first project of its kind in the UK, and is only one of a handful of other leisure centres in the world to have been designed and built to meet the energy-efficiency targets of the Passivhaus standard.

Designed by Gale & Snowden Architects and Space and Place Architects, St. Sidwell’s Point has been constructed by main contractor Kier. With a focus on improved energy-efficiency, air quality, natural lighting and ventilation, St. Sidwell’s Point has been designed to reduce energy consumption by 70% when compared with industry best practice standards for similar buildings.

CCF Exeter worked closely with supply chain partner New Barton Contracts Ltd to supply the interior product package which featured drylining and suspended ceiling systems by industry leading manufacturers British

JELD-WEN’s new smart room entrance doorsets JELD-WEN, has enhanced its product range with the launch of a new smart room entrance doorset, tested, compatible, and machined to be installed with cloud-based smart access control from NSP Security, an intelligent door security specialist.

A choice of three locksets, each compatible with JELD-WEN’s existing laminate, moulded and premium paint-grade 44mm door designs, offers a solution for a range of applications, including student accommodation, hotels, commercial buildings and residential projects. Doorsets are delivered to the site fully finished and ready to install, ensuring hardware compatibility whilst minimising time, resource and error during installation.

JELD-WEN – Enquiry 16

Gypsum, Zentia, LSA Projects Ltd and Luxalon.

All of the products and materials selected needed to meet specific criteria to ensure the building achieved Passivhaus certification. This included offering exceptional energy-efficiency and contributing towards achieving the required airtightness targets, in addition to having low embodied carbon and being sustainably sourced.

CCF’s technical expertise also played a key part in the specification process, with the distributor working closely with the wider project team and Passivhaus

consultants. This was to ensure that all supplied products had full compliance with Passivhaus standards and design principles.

CCF – Enquiry 15

Gilberts helps everybody get better health The £10m redevelopment of Congleton Leisure Centre is the latest step by Cheshire East Council to deliver on its policy to provide a sustainable, well designed and durable environment for its people and buildings.

Run on behalf of the Council by Everybody Health & Leisure, the new Centre has been constructed by Pulse Design & Build, with plant & screening louvres from Gilberts Blackpool specified. In total, three banks of Gilberts’ WG75 louvres with self-mullion supports have been purpose-designed and installed, for maintenance, screening and ventilation of the CHP and pool ventilation. The latter has been finished in 60µ marine grade powder paint on the inside to resist the high levels of moisture within the exhaust air from the pool hall.

To compliment the two-storey building’s aesthetics, the channel-framed maintenance and CHP louvre screens- up to 1.6m high- have been designed to enable internal removal in sections. The permanently-fixed pool screens- divided into three sections up to 1.5m high for ease of installation- have been flanged to enhance the smooth lines of the façade cladding.

The configuration will ensure optimum efficiency of the plant and internal environment.

Gilberts – Enquiry 17

21

Retirement & Care Homes

Age-friendly urban development guide launched The creation of age-friendly neighbourhoods to meet both the physical and social needs of older people will be supported by a new urban development guide for greater Manchester.

Manchester Metropolitan University

T

he guide outlines how the region can adapt to an ageing population in designing and building new residential developments.

Ideas include intergenerational playgrounds, buddy benches, easier navigation for people with dementia and boosting a sense of security through design.

The urban development guide – Creating Age-Friendly Developments – has been created by researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University with the GM Housing Planning and Ageing group (GMHPA), a multiagency partnership brought together by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s GM Ageing Hub. It will be used as a series of recommendations to help guide planners, policymakers, architects, and developers to create age-friendly developments.

Report co-author Dr Mark Hammond, Senior Lecturer from the University’s Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), said: “Our growing and increasingly diverse older population offers significant opportunities for innovation in the housing sector. While specialist housing including extra-care or retirement villages might be part of the

22

mix, the aim of the work I have been doing with the GM Ageing Hub has been around mainstreaming ageing within residential development, recognising that all new housing should be age-inclusive.

“This guide aims to provide clearer steps for planners, developers and designers to fulfil these aims, but we also hope it will encourage more people to join the growing community of practice we have between policymakers, academics and professionals around housing and ageing in Greater Manchester.”

playgrounds that recognise the role many older people have in caring for grandchildren and the physical and wellbeing benefits from play, measures to reduce negative noise impacts in the home for those with sensory issues or living with dementia, and the inclusion of social seating to help combat loneliness.

Manchester Metropolitan University

The guide builds in a range of aspirations of older people rather than simply focusing on issues of physical accessibility, and highlights opportunities for wellbeing, physical activity, and socialisation in the home and wider neighbourhood.

This could include intergenerational

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

The development of Birchgrove’s portfolio comes amid a chronic shortage of high-quality retirement properties for the over-65s in the SouthEast. Established in 2016, Birchgrove has sought to help tackle the shortage by pioneering the assisted living rental model in the UK, which seeks to give people in later life highquality accommodation without the burdens of home ownership.

The new guide, which will be rolled out across Greater Manchester, has been co-authored by Dr Mark Hammond, and Kelly-Marie Rodgers, Strategic Lead - Healthy Active Places at GM Moving, in collaboration with the GM Housing Planning and Ageing group (GMHPA).

Communal facilities will include a 24hour concierge service, café/restaurant, licensed bar, wellness suite, library, and a courtyard with a lounge and landscaped roof terrace offering views over Godalming to the Surrey Hills.

The guide has already been adopted by residential developer and operator Picture This who have started to implement this within their planning and design teams who are working on their latest developments.

Located on Brighton Road in the heart of Godalming, the 1.02-acre plot has been developed on the site of a former Mole Country Stores that had stood empty since September 2017. As part of the development, the Grade II listed Cowshed at the entrance to the site is also being fully restored to provide two one-bed apartments.

Shannon Conway, Co–Founder at Picture This and member of GM Housing, Planning and Ageing Group, said: “The document provides a straightforward guide to how age-friendly principles can be incorporated throughout our Picture This developments.

For an upcoming scheme in Stockport town centre, we worked through the guide with our planning and design teams. Not only were the ideas and suggestions within the guide useful, it also prompted more thoughts on how our developments can be made more inclusive.”

The acquisition marks the fifth addition to the Birchgrove portfolio, which comprises of sites in Ewell, Woking, and Sidcup, Kent, housing more than 170 residents. Construction of a

Retirement & Care Homes

fourth community in Banstead is currently underway, with sites having also been secured to establish further communities in Leatherhead, Surrey; and Chiswick, West London.

Birchgrove

Since Birchgrove introduced the rental in retirement model in the UK, their developments have proved hugely popular: Birchgrove’s communities have sold out, with many apartments reserved off-plan - a level of demand Birchgrove is again anticipating for Pepperpot House.

With this new approach to retirement living proving so popular, Knight Frank’s latest senior living forecast suggests that the delivery of UK rental seniors housing is set to increase by 160% in the next five years.

Honor Barratt, Chief Executive, Birchgrove said: “We’re delighted that apartments in Godalming are now available to reserve. Pepperpot House is regenerating a long-standing site which became commercially unviable, and we’re proud that the combination of high-quality rented apartments, integrated care and extensive communal and support services makes this the first scheme in the local area of its kind.”

Birchgrove

The guide builds on existing Greater Manchester policy initiatives and the research team hope that it will resonate with policy makers and professionals both locally and nationally.

Assisted living community adds to portfolio Birchgrove, the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes, has completed apartments at its new 52-unit development in Godalming, Surrey. Pepperpot House, which is set to open in late 2024, will offer high-quality one and two-bed self-contained rented apartments to independently minded people over 65.

23

Retirement & Care Homes

AKW Launches New Generation of Electric Care Showers and P12 Shower Waste Pump AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its new generation of electric care showers and P12 shower waste pump.

T

he company’s existing range of showers has been updated with new design and water saving features, to make them even more accessible to a wide variety of users. Also, the launch of the P12 shower waste pump features almost silent operation and wireless connectivity.

wanting to reduce their water and energy bills to make considered showering choices.

An automatic shutdown function is also included, to prevent flooding and minimise water and energy wastage, and for ultimate water usage management, a remote-control option is available with SmartCare Plus

Enhanced accessibility The new generation of stylish electric showers is comprised of updated versions of AKW’s market leading SmartCare Plus, SmartCare Lever and iTherm products.

Design features include fewer parts and surface split lines for easy cleaning, more rounded edges, to reduce the risk of fall related injuries and illuminated LED displays to aid operation. The showers also all feature a matt finished central panel, to enable straightforward control location for those with visual impairment and dementia.

Created to be easy-to-use and quick to install, AKW’s SmartCare Plus and SmartCare Lever are BEAB Care certified, RNIB tried and tested, and DSDC dementia-friendly product accredited.

Wireless connectivity AKW’s DigiPumps and AKW P12 Waste Pump - with optional wireless module - are ideal for use where gravity drainage isn’t an option. A wireless module connects either a SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower to either pump and comes with a PCB that is plugged into the shower and pump, connecting them together quickly and efficiently. Once paired, the link is seamless, matching the shower and pump flow rates and it remains paired, even if the shower and/or pump are isolated from mains supply.

Ultimate control For even greater shower control flexibility, AKW has added a Remote On/Off Button to the range. Designed to control either the SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower, this wall mounted button has a wireless range of up to 10 metres. For ultimate carer support, AKW’s shower range also features an existing wireless remote control that can turn SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever showers on or off from up to 10 metres away and change their temperature and flow settings as well.

Colour contrast A stylish new AKW Care Kit has also been added to the range for use with the SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower.

Designed with ease of use in mind, its shelf, rail and slide mechanism for the shower head are available in a variety of colours, including contrasting blue and mid-grey rails options suitable for those with visual impairments.

Water and energy saving AKW’s new generation showers are all WRAS approved and feature an optional eco-setting, that can limit flow rate to 6 lpm, supporting the reduction of both water and energy consumption. The showers come with a built-in timer function, helping users who are

24

Tom Doyle, Head of Industrial Design at AKW, comments: “We set new standards in

shower design when we launched the world’s first Bluetooth® enabled electric shower. And our aim is to continue to make life better for our end customers and installers alike, hence the new features we have included in our shower range and the introduction of the new wireless pump module. We can say with confidence that whether it’s for a family bathroom, new development, accessible bungalow or care home, we have the perfect electric shower solution that also embraces the latest water and energy saving features.”

To find out more about the new generation of showers and wireless DigiPump visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AAQMcR0UusA&t=16s or search for ‘new electric showers AKW’ on YouTube.

For more information contact AKW on 01905 823298, Email: sales@akw-ltd.co.uk or visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk AKW – Enquiry 18

A CLEAR VISION

FIRE-RATED GLASS FOR VISION PANELS DOORS // SCREENS // PARTITIONING THE SAFE CHOICE

FIRE -RAT ED ACO UST IC LAM INAT ED TOU GHE NED FIRE NON -RATED UNI -FIRE-R & TS (I GUS ATED INTE ) GRA L BL We t IND ick a S ll t he b

oxes

!

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY FROM OUR WELL-STOCKED LOCAL BRANCHES

MIDLANDS 0121 667 9089

NORTH 0161 532 8371

Enquiry 19

TRUST THE EXPERTS

SOUTH 01206 805 922

WEST 01174 528 800

SCOTLAND 0131 526 4141

INSTALLATION 0121 667 9089

0121 667 9089

WWW.FIREGLASSUK.COM

External Walls

In-House Expertise a Driving Force Behind Success As a BOPAS Accredited light steel frame specialist, Frameclad has an advanced offsite manufacturing infrastructure underpinned by customised digital technology. But Joint Managing Director Nik Teagle considers it’s the firm’s in-house capabilities that’s the driving force behind their success.

Chocolate Factory

D

on’t get me wrong, manufacturing and digital construction technology is massively important but with Frameclad, our strength lies in our people and the technical know-how within the team. From standard infill systems and off the shelf sections to vast medium rise bespoke light steel loadbearing developments – every project gets the same exceptional quality as standard, but it is our unrivalled customer service that sets us apart.

Transitioning from a merchant to a light steel manufacturer more than 15 years ago, we operate from two adjacent factories in Kingswinford with a combined area of 50,000 sqft of factory and office space. Substantial investment in six cold roll-forming machines, supported by customised Tekla software, produces one of the largest ranges of steel sections available in the UK today from a single manufacturer. But it’s our investment in in-house expertise that drives our business forward and keeps us ahead of the curve.

Design and Consultancy Solutions In spring 2022, Frameclad acquired Design and Consultancy Solutions (DACS) and has a 12-strong team of designers and engineers based in our office in Teesside. Providing cost estimates within 10 days and detailed designs within one week – our in-house team has the ability to make swift decisions and go that extra mile to meet rapid turn-around times.

DfMA – Design for Manufacture and Assembly is at the very centre of every offsite project, so we believe having total control over the manufacture and design elements – is essential. Our design and engineering team work in total synergy with our client’s architects to ensure a cost effective, safe and sustainable solution – that will not only be robust and reliable but is also practical to install. One project that demonstrates this, is the Chocolate Factory.

26

Pick and Mix Steel Solutions The development in London’s Wood Green takes its name from the old Barratt & Co confectionery factory that once stood on the site. We are responsible for delivering the secondary structural framework, from design and engineering to fabrication and on site delivery. Block E2 is being transformed into 71 apartments and nine duplex houses – with the structural steel frame now due for completion.

the individual frames and how these could be loaded onto lorries and transported to site safely.

This is where our investment in Tekla Structures software came in. With our inhouse skills supported by digital technology, the design and engineering team were able to identify the weights and centre of gravity for each component, carrying out checks and generating reports.

The Chocolate Factory development combines infill light steel for the building’s lower floors and panelised loadbearing frames are used to construct the top storey on the sixth floor, with only minimal requirement for structural reinforcement.

When it came to detailing the loadbearing frames of the top floor, the large panel sizes definitely presented us with a challenge from a logistics point of view.

We overcame this by carefully considering the size and weight of

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Chocolate Factory

External Walls

This was a massive help in ensuring we didn’t encounter any roadblocks further down the line, with potential problems being identified at an early stage.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers the ability to check, verify and compare information in a digital environment to ensure it is correct, before progressing to fabrication. For the light steel frames on the ground level to fifth floor – a clear benefit of the constructible modelling software was the ability to break down the individual steelwork using the user-defined attributes.

This meant that we were able to automatically sort the steel by phase, floor and zone – with the ability to easily filter and sort the information needed at a specific time to generate fabrication reports, and efficiently phase manufacture and delivery of the steel framing solutions.

Once fabricated, each piece of steel also had a unique code stamped on it detailing the specific zone, floor, profile size and steel length. The site team could therefore easily identify the location for each piece of steel. All of this made for quicker and more organised fabrication, delivery and assembly processes – facilitating just-in time deliveries.

The framework for Block E2 is due for completion and is the result of another successful collaboration with an up-andcoming contractor Formation Design & Build Ltd. The Chocolate Factory development as a whole is expected to be completed by early 2024.

Nik Teagle FRAMECLAD Frameclad supply a complete range of loadbearing and non-loadbearing light steel framing systems and sections to the construction industry across the UK. Backed

by BOPAS Accreditation to design at full scope, NHBC SCI, Infill and CE Certification, Frameclad has also invested in a growing suite of fire test and performance data to offer assurances to main contractors, architects,

engineers and public sector clients. With a can-do attitude and in-depth technical knowhow, they are keen, fiercely competitive and are considered trailblazers within the light steel sector.

For more information visit: www.frameclad.com Frameclad – Enquiry 20

27

External Walls

1

Lightweight Sustainability with Nordic Copper Adaptive reuse of existing buildings is an essential strategy to reduce embodied carbon, while regenerating our urban environments. An exemplar of this approach – 72 Broadwick Street – is crowned by a profiled roofscape clad in Nordic Brown Light copper from Aurubis.

S

et within the Soho Conservation Area, 72 Broadwick Street is a half-acre island site fronting London’s iconic Carnaby Street. Originally built in the 1970s as a ‘brutalist’ concrete, seven-storey headquarters building, its recent extensive mixed-use redevelopment now provides a range of uses including offices, restaurants, a gym, retail and residential units. Designed by architects Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY) for developer Shaftesbury Carnaby, the regeneration project demonstrates how a diverse range of uses can be accommodated within one urban block in the heart of London.

72 Broadwick Street was recognised as the ‘Best Mixed-Use Scheme’ by the 2023 Building London Planning Awards. As well as requiring major structural alterations and remodelling, the project also presented various challenges for architects BGY, planning consultant Rolfe Judd and main contractor Blenheim House Construction.

They included working around the West End’s largest electrical substation, keeping existing ground floor units operational and minimising impact upon a major retail destination.

28

The building’s exterior has been transformed with new fenestration throughout, new feature brickwork and existing brickwork treated to give the complete development a contemporary feel.

Reduced Structural Demands The original fifth and sixth storeys were demolished and replaced with extensive, lightweight rooftop additions wrapped in an external skin of Nordic Brown Light copper, creating residential apartments around a central courtyard. Eleven of the fifteen apartments have distinctive pitched roofs that rise and fall to create a dynamic roof profile.

Ben Oram, BGY’s Head of Technical, said: “In one of inner London’s densest districts, the profiled roofscape of this re-purposed urban block helps to embed it among the varied age, materiality and massing of its neighbours.”

Conceived as the ‘crown’ of the building, the copper roof eaves sit above terraces enjoying panoramic views across Soho, with their deep overhang contributing to solar shading.

Copper is also used extensively for vertical cladding in the form of cassette panels, some perforated to provide ventilation.

Rachael Owens, BGY’s Head of Sustainability,

explained: “Copper cladding was chosen due to its lightweight nature, as the structure at the top of the building needed to be as light as possible to prevent the need to strengthen the existing structure below.

When compared with alternative metal cladding products, the copper could be specified with a reduced thickness, due to its strength, which reduced overall material use and embodied carbon emissions”.

2

3

Nordic Brown copper is pre-oxidised in the Aurubis factory to provide straightaway the same oxidised surface that develops naturally over time externally.

External Walls

The Nordic Brown Light roofing and cladding, supplied by Aurubis stockist Metra Non Ferrous Metals and carefully installed and crafted by Roles Broderick, defines the regeneration of this landmark building.

The lighter or darker shades of brown – determined by the thickness of the oxide layer – will continue to change in the environment and Nordic Brown Light gradually develops a stable dark chocolate brown colour.

Living Copper Surfaces Factory-applied surface treatments can also provide patination for Nordic Copper products straightaway and to a selected level. This is particularly useful for vertical surfaces which might not otherwise develop a blue/green patina. Many of the processes involved are very similar to those taking place in the environment.

4

They utilise copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical actions, bringing forward environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural, living material.

These surface treatments include preoxidisation and pre-patination, utilising the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world.

With Nordic Green, Blue and Turquoise, the process can be accurately controlled so that, as well as the solid colours, other intensities of patina flecks can be created revealing some of the dark oxidised background material to give a ‘living’ surface.

Of course, copper alloys have been used throughout history too, with Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass popular for architectural applications. Another, innovative copper alloy – Nordic Royal – gives a rich golden through-colour which is retained without developing a blue/green patina.

Recyclable and Sustainable There is more to architectural copper than meets the eye in terms of performance, adaptability and sustainability. Copper is fully recyclable utilising long-established practices – 97% of copper in construction comes from recycling. With an unrivalled lifespan due to its integral protective patination, it requires no maintenance or decoration and with an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is

suitable for cladding taller buildings, using appropriate constructions. www.nordiccopper.com Photography Photo 1: CGS Photographers, courtesy of Blenheim House Construction Ltd Photo 2, 3 & 4: Dirk Lindner Aurubis – Enquiry 21

29

External Walls

Wraptite protection chosen for seafront property The Wraptite external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group, selected as part of the façade upgrade to a sea-facing property in Douglas, Isle of Man, will ensure energy efficiency and protection from the elements.

T

than the traditional use of staples and mechanical fixing, assisted with the durability in the high wind conditions prevalent on the seafront location.

Excel Construction Group was appointed to upgrade the facade and improve the building’s structure, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.

“Wraptite provided the building fabric with excellent protection from the coastal elements prior to installing the Gebrik panels. We will definitely be using Wraptite on future projects.”

Andrew Burley, Quantity Surveyor at the Excel Group, explains why Wraptite, the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA, was selected. “We chose Wraptite for the breather membrane because of its effectiveness as a vapour barrier and durability. In addition, the nature of Wraptite, being a selfadhesive fix rather

Wraptite combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. Incorporating Wraptite saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the energy efficiency demands in buildings.

Wraptite is Class B1-s1,d0, compliant with Part B regulation changes for use in the

he Peveril Buildings, previously home for 20 years to the Lloyds Banking Group, is situated in the centre of the Isle of Man’s Business District, opposite Douglas Sea Terminal.

external wall systems of buildings over 18m in height, both as a continuous layer on sheathing board behind fire classified insulation, and for use to tape joints in insulation behind rainscreen.

A. Proctor Group – Enquiry 22

Saint-Gobain Weber publishes UK’s first EPD for monocouche render Saint-Gobain Weber is the first manufacturer in the UK and Ireland to release an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for monocouche render, helping specifiers make informed, sustainable choices when selecting finishes.

E

PDs are a third-party certified document and are created based on data obtained through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA uses different points during manufacture to assess potential environmental impacts with the aim to improve the overall environmental profile of

30

the product. While not currently mandatory in the UK, EPDs are valid worldwide and are accepted in several rating schemes such as BREEAM. The third-party certified document details the environmental performance lifecycle of the product and describes how they impact the environment at different stages of the manufacturing process. It also highlights how production waste is reduced and reused, the use of renewable energy sources and tracks if waste is sent to landfill.

Each different variation of Weber’s monocouche render - weberpral M (colours and chalk) and weberpral D - has its own EPD. In addition, an EPD is also available for Weber’s lightweight, brick-effect finish weberwall brick.

James Mead, R&D and Quality Director at Saint-Gobain Weber said: “We want to help the construction industry to create better buildings for people and the planet, and providing a transparent view of our products is just one way that we can do this. The information within the EPD documents provides credible data for architects and specifiers to help them to responsibly source construction products.”

An EPD for weberwall brick is also now available. The fast-fix alternative to brick slips can be used for both refurbishment and new build projects, as well as internally.

Photo accreditation: Dylan Morris, Wakemans Divisional Director (Caernarfon).

Saint-Gobain Weber – Enquiry 23

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Sika is thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious Judges Choice – Special Commendation accolade at this year’s Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards.

The Building Finishing team was recognised for the complex External Wall Insulation (EWI) system designed for the iconic Selfridges building in Birmingham.

The annual INCA Awards recognises innovation and excellence in EWI projects and for 42 years has celebrated EWI and the transformative effect it can have on buildings.

The Judges Choice – Special Commendation award is presented to exceptional projects and it’s clear to see why the Selfridges building, an iconic part of the Birmingham

External Walls

Sika’s EWI system specially commended at INCA awards cityscape for two decades, impressed the INCA Award judges. Its unique curved façade, comprising of 15,000 individual anodised aluminium discs, and areas where the walls blend seamlessly into flat roof sections, added to the complexity of the façade refurbishment.

Working alongside contractors, Rendserve Ltd, Sika created a bespoke EWI system design using a roofing grade insulation board along with high impact, standard and specialist mesh. The SikaGard 675 liquid coating was colour matched to the building to ensure the façade stayed true to the original design.

The INCA judges were impressed with the “quality of design and installation versus the complexity” demonstrated by Sika.

Sika – Enquiry 24

Sto streamlines construction at Blar Mor A Sto rainscreen cladding system has provided an alternative construction method for the new Blar Mor housing development, generating time and cost efficiencies.

Proctor Air added to next generation products at A. Proctor Group Innovation has run through the Proctor family since its earliest records, and since taking over in 2012, our Managing Director, Keira Proctor has continued this tradition, building on this foundation of trust, honesty, and hard work from the very same desk where her father and grandfather made us the company we are today.

Proctor Air® is the result of a quarter century of experience on sites and on drawing boards, listening and responding to the challenges faced by the industry.

The next evolution of roofing underlay technology; Proctor Air has been developed and manufactured to our precise specifications and requirements. This ensures the on-site performance of our material mirrors the off-site performance, while a 15 year warranty ensures peace of mind for any project, now and in the future.

The main contractor partnered with AFS (Scotland), a leading provider of external façade solutions, to deliver a durable cladding system for timber frame homes, removing the requirement for traditional construction.

Sto reviewed wind load information and provided a Sto fixing assessment to assist AFS in the installation of the StoVentec system. Comprising StoVentec carrier boards, these were installed on the timber battens to create a ventilated cavity.

Made from 96% recycled expanded glass granulate, the carrier boards are reinforced on both sides with glass fibre mesh.

StoVentec boards don’t expand or contract with temperature change, providing a stable board to receive the render build up, and they can also be butt jointed with no risk of cracking.

This means Proctor Air can be specified on all roof types not just without low- and high-level ventilation, or a vapour control layer, but with confidence.

The next stage of the installation process was to apply a layer of StoArmat Classic Plus, a cement-free base coat, embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre reinforcing mesh to the exterior of the StoVentec boards.

The final façade finish was completed with StoSilco K1.5, a silicone resin render in white, which provides high levels of water repellence, protection against harsh weather conditions and excellent water vapour permeability.

A. Proctor Group – Enquiry 25

Sto – Enquiry 26

Hydrophobic additive in all three layers of this next generation product amplifies water holdout, and this, alongside optimised levels of permeability to both air and moisture vapour, Proctor Air delivers the most robust and dependable performance.

31

Structures & Building Systems

Manufacturers must deliver on customer expectations and keep innovating Covid brought about 20 years of evolution in three years. Andy Cullum, Managing Director at Polypipe Building Services UK, shares how digital transparency, product innovation and technical expertise are more important than ever in 2024.

T

he general feeling within construction and manufacturing is that we are in a recession environment. This means the companies who are surviving and thriving are becoming ultra-focussed on what they are good at, because everyone is being expected to do as much as before but with less.

At Polypipe Building Services this means making it as easy as possible for contractors to do business with us. This includes ensuring complete product transparency and digital data, to providing detailed technical knowledge to support contractors in meeting safety compliance, sustainability requirements and building regulations.

Our focus has always been on adding value to our customers by understanding their pain points and coming up with solutions.

But now we must continuously deliver on customer expectations to become trusted partners within their business.

Discussions have continued this year around the lack of skilled labour within the construction sector, but getting the right mix

of people with the right level of knowledge within the business is also key.

With the implementation of the Building Safety Act contractors are facing even greater scrutiny of their project plans to ensure they meet safety compliance and current building regulations. This has led to an expectation on manufacturers to be able to provide a digital data trail for their product ranges and is why we have been working hard to provide interactive BIM files and Environmental Product Declarations for our products.

As a manufacturer, this also means we need to be one step ahead and have a good level of technical knowledge to support our customers. Being a part of the wider Genuit group means we can leverage expertise and knowledge from over 20 sites and share best practice. It also means our employees have access to more opportunities to learn, while we use apprenticeships, internships and our five per cent club within the business as a form of ongoing training for all our employees.

As a manufacturer and supplier, it’s important to balance giving customers what they need now, while also investing

32

in new technology to move our sector forward towards Net Zero. This is why we invested in new production lines capable of manufacturing our Terrain PVC pipe which is made from up to 65% recycled materials.

It strikes a balance between maintaining the quality and performance our customers expect, whilst supporting this move towards a fully circular economy that makes the best use of construction waste. This is in keeping with our Genuit group declaration that by 2025 62 per cent of total materials used in our products will come from recycled sources.

Post Covid businesses are having to adapt and evolve quicker than ever before, and Polypipe Building Services is no exception. This is why in 2024 we will be providing more products so we can supply contractors from mains to tap and back to the sewer. Within the current economic climate if you want to gain growth you have got to up your game, and by offering both drainage and water supply solutions we are not only reducing their carbon footprint through less deliveries, but also making their supply chain easier to transact. >>

Glazing for Life

What if… a reliable golden thread completed your glazing project?

Delivering assured fire protection in your glazing specification is easier when you have full traceability right back to raw material sourcing.

That’s why Promat SYSTEMGLAS® has been at the forefront of fire resistant glazing for three decades. It has always had ‘golden thread’ thinking at its core through Promat’s 360° Wheel of Assurance, ensuring you can provide complete peace of mind to clients and end users.

Promat SYSTEMGLAS Specified for a Reason Promat UK Ltd Enquiry 27

0800 588 4444

promatglass@etexgroup.com

Structures & Building Systems

>> Making the right specification choices Daniel Weait, National Accounts Manager and CCPI Project Lead at Marley, says specifiers should seek the reassurance of independent verification - including the new Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) - when it comes to selecting product solutions.

Doing so ensures the specification of quality-led products which mitigate risk, can substantiate marketing claims and, critically, perform as expected over the long term.

The announcement that Marley’s JB Red Batten has achieved verification under the new Code for Construction Product Information scheme, is a reminder as to the importance of making product specification decisions based on clear and transparent data which have been thoroughly assessed.

The new CCPI code has been developed as the result of collaboration across the construction sector in recent years and is a consequence of 2018’s Hackett Report, a landmark review into building regulations and fire safety. The code further strengthens the accuracy and transparency by which construction product manufacturers manage and provide external information on products.

product solutions can have unwanted consequences, is a laudable aim.

As a result, checking the status of proposed construction products under British Standards, the British Board of Agreement (BBA) database and now the CCPI verified list, should be priorities for specifiers.

The reputational, commercial and safety risks associated with using non-compliant products can be significant. Both the Building Safety Act and the CCPI code - which specifically calls for accuracy and clarity when performance claims are made by parties selling and marketing construction products – are industry safeguards to drive up standards and eradicate the promotion of inadequate quality or mis-leadingly marketed products.

The establishment of the code is an important initiative for the construction sector as it looks to underpin better safety and compliance standards.

It provides an additional third-party endorsement that will enable specifiers to identify and select products that are clearly of the right standard.

To ensure compliance with regulations and mitigate any health and safety risks, specifiers should always select factory graded roofing battens that meet BS 5534 and are produced by an established supplier with a recognised third-party certification.

The third-party independent verification means that when specifying a construction product carrying the CCPI mark, organisations can have the confidence that it has been assessed across a series of eleven important clauses and that product performance claims made by manufacturers can be relied upon.

In addition, CCPI verification is based upon a forensic assessment of the organisation behind the construction product under consideration, including close examination of the internal management processes that support the generation and sharing of specific product information and on which specifiers make their choices.

CCPI, along with the other existing independent verification assessments, is another step in the right direction. Raising and maintaining standards across a sector where the health and safety and future performance implications of selecting sub-standard materials and

34

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Structures & Building Systems

Sustainable Grass Paving With increased demand for permeable paving to address issues of SUDS, many driveways, access roads and car parks are now adopting grass paving alternatives.

W

ith more than 50 years of grass paving installations, the Grass Concrete policy is to guide clients to the most appropriate system: in-situconcrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems.

This strict fit for purpose policy is the key to achieving sustainability in any construction project, with careful consideration of grass

paving types, particularly when likely to be subjected to frequent traffic and weights of vehicles.

For regular trafficked areas and load bearing Grasscrete offers a cast on-site system and Grassblock comes in prefabricated blocks, both offering the heavyduty concrete under structure necessary for regular trafficking in car parking areas.

Incorporating Sustainable Urban Drainage using grass permeable paving helps mitigate the implications of surface water run-off and its implications for the local storm water network. A grass reinforced systems can permeate at up to 90% the rate of natural grass a safe lag time can be achieved. Storing water within the system with low risk of ponding, until the ground can naturally re-charge is a significant benefit.

Vertical opportunities with creative structural integrity

Lag time is beneficial in the prevention of flooding and can be extended by introducing an underlying drainage blanket across the full extent of the paved area.

Sustainable grass cover is best achieved by a system that promotes permeability. The depth and shape of the soil pockets therefore has a critical part to play. Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to promote maximum grass coverage.

Offering our support Planted buttressing retaining wall

Betoatlas dry-build solutions

A 4 metre high stone wall dating back to medieval times needed to be stabilised as part of a re-development of an old school site to form a doctor’s surgery car park.

Visit our NEW website: www.grasscrete.com/sherburn-in-elmet to view this case study.

Innovative Environmental Solutions

www.grasscrete.com

Grass Concrete Limited info@grasscrete.com

Tel: +44(0)1924 379443 @grasscreteworld

Wakefield based Grass Concrete Ltd have been a supplier of proven sustainable grass paving systems worldwide for more than 50 years. With a clear policy of tailored fit for purpose systems in concrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic to provide the best possible sustainable permeable solutions.

Talk to the experts of 50 years to find out more. www.grasscrete.com Tel 01924 379443 Grass Concrete – Enquiry 29

Enquiry 28

35

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Flooring Solutions Made in the UK and Made to Last From schools to offices, an integral part of a commercial environment is its flooring. Commercial spaces require durable flooring solutions that can withstand heavy footfall and wheeled traffic as well as setting the right ambience for the space.

T

he UK’s leading fibre-bonded carpet manufacturer, Heckmondwike FB, has over 50 years of experience in providing hard-wearing and cost-effective contract flooring. They have an extensive range of heavy contract carpets and tiles for all applications. Whether the carpet needs to match school colours, or meet acoustic requirements, Heckmondwike offers a flooring solution that is made to last and made at our factory in Yorkshire, UK. Heckmondwike’s best-selling product, Supacord, is a cost-effective and high performing carpet, making it a firm favourite in the education sector. It is available in 42 colours in sheet or tile format, so you can give your space a uniformed look.

For greater acoustics, the carpet tiles are available with an acoustic backing. The Hobnail product provides even further impact noise reduction, making it ideal for reducing impact noise between floors in communal areas in apartment complexes and education settings.

36

Replacing carpets can be costly and time-consuming. Sometimes buildings, or certain areas, have to be closed while the maintenance is ongoing. Luckily, Heckmondwike manufactures carpets and tiles that don’t fray or ravel. Plus, the products don’t “ugly out” as quickly, which helps to achieve the impressive product lifespan.

Using through-life costing, you can save future labour time if you attach Heckmondwike’s sheet carpet with Styccobond F40 adhesive by F.Ball & Co. That way, when the replacement is due, the carpet is easily peeled up and replaced the same day. This technique reduces the amount of subfloor preparation, which usually includes letting the latex cure for 24 hours.

One area of a commercial property that experiences a lot of foot traffic will always be the entrance. Heckmondwike FB offers a wide range of entrance solutions including its market-leading Battleship/Hippo product.

Sticks & Stones is another entrance product, which has a unique design that offers durability, whilst helping to minimise dirt being

carried onto carpets in the internal space.

Heckmondwike prides itself on not only offering carpet solutions that are durable for commercial properties but also attractive as well, helping to set the perfect tone for those entering your premises.

The bespoke entrance solutions include loose lay logo mats to protect your internal carpets, whilst also showcasing your brand and personality when someone enters your building. Emblems, logos or slogans can also be designed inset into an entrance.

For durable, cost-effective, and impressive flooring solutions there’s no better manufacturer than Heckmondwike FB. If you’re interested in finding out more about Heckmondwike’s durable carpets and carpet tiles, you can request samples and download a brochure through their website www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

Get in touch to discuss how they can meet your needs.

Heckmondwike – Enquiry 30

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Available In 42 Colours

SUPACORD UNMATCHED FOR PERFORMANCE For over 50 years Supacord has been trusted as the carpet of choice for commercial areas that require a durable solution.

With 42 colours and quality performance as standard, Supacord offers peace of mind across any installation.

AVAILABLE FROM STOCK IN SHEET OR TILE FORMAT

For more information visit www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk or contact us on sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk | 01924 406161

Enquiry 31

Helps Reduce Impact Noise

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Hunter Douglas Architectural unveils HeartFelt Groove In the realm of architectural innovation, Hunter Douglas Architectural continues to be at the forefront, introducing Heartfelt® Groove, a captivating addition to the renowned Heartfelt® Ceiling Collection.

T

his remarkable ceiling system features slim felt panels, offering unparalleled acoustic and visual properties that redefine the possibilities of interior design.

At the heart of HeartFelt® Groove is a new type of panel that promises to revolutionise how we think about ceilings. This box-shaped, 60mm by 50mm panel is installed with a module of 80mm, creating a gap of 20mm between panels.

Katrin Summ, Product Manager of Hunter Douglas Architectural, said: “With HeartFelt® Groove, we’ve taken the concept of the ceiling panel and redefined it. It’s more than just an architectural element; it’s an experience in sound, style, and sophistication.”

The ‘W-Form’ Distinction Previous panels were largely variations of the box-shaped design (a ‘U-form’), but HeartFelt® Groove takes a bold step by introducing a ‘W-form’. This two-fold deformation of the felt strip creates a ‘form within a form’, setting a unique standard in the linear ceiling market.

There’s more than meets the eye with HeartFelt® Groove. It first appears to be very slim panels of just 20mm wide, giving the impression of numerous slim panels.

38

However, the technical suspension system allows for a clever illusion: the actual number of installed panels is only half what you perceive. This feature enhances both the visual appeal and acoustic functionality of the space.

One of the standout features of the HeartFelt® Groove ceiling system is its exceptional acoustic performance. With an impressive absorption value (αw) of 0.70, it is an ideal choice for spaces where sound quality matters most. From offices to conference rooms, this ceiling system ensures that every word is crystal clear and every presentation is heard without a hitch.

With its two-fold deformation in the production process, the Groove panel is rigid, without the need for any extra materials. This characteristic means it is also perfect for wall panels. The HeartFelt® Groove system not only enhances the acoustics of a space but also provides an authentic, warm look and feel. It is available in a palette of five shades of grey.

With the introduction of HeartFelt® Groove, Hunter Douglas Architectural once again showcases its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Hunter Douglas Architectural – Enquiry 32

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Sport Aberdeen is an award-winning registered charity committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people, and changing lives through sport and physical activity. When the hall at Get Active @ Kincorth required a world class indoor flooring finish, Gerflor’s Olympic pedigree Taraflex® sports flooring would be the natural choice for this iconic refurbishment.

O

ver 600m2 in Light Cherry would be the specified in a Taraflex® Combi Elastic system that was finished with a Taraflex® Evolution point elastic flooring.

Euan Beggs, at Mackie Taylor Ramsay the appointed architects for the project said, “Part of this programme was the refurbishment and enhancement of the multi-purpose sport hall within Get Active @ Kincorth, by way of a replacement floor covering and general facility upgrade. By using Gerflor’s complete system of product, we were able to maintain a sprung floor under build and tie back into the existing finished floor level, which reduced the need to carry out additional work and alterations out with the hall itself.”

Maggie Smith, Scotland Team Leader, Gerflor said, “After discussions about the

project requirements we proposed the Taraflex® Combi Elastic system which is a cradle and baton system finished with Taraflex® Evolution point elastic flooring.

It’s lovely to see a facility bringing all ages together to enjoy an active lifestyle.”

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Taraflex® from Gerflor takes Sport Aberdeen to new heights.

alike, all noting that the floor has a softer under foot feeling. We would definitely choose Gerflor Taraflex® sports products again.”

Gerflor – Enquiry 33

Hugh Black, Group Estates Manager at Sport Aberdeen commented, “Sport Aberdeen is delighted with the final result.

It has received exceptional feedback so far from customers, members, and sports club users

Parkside goes on Protecting with 40 for 40 40 for 40 is a partnership between specifiers, Parkside Architectural Tiles and the World Land Trust, www.worldlandtrust.org, to protect the world’s precious natural habitats. By specifying tiles from Parkside that have 40% recycled content or above, specifiers can play an active role in saving land and species.

In its most successful quarterly period to date and since June alone, 40 for 40 has stepped up for 36 acres of permanently protected nature reserves in Argentina, Brazil, Kenya and South Africa. From its launch (1st July 2021 – 30th September 2023), 40 for 40 has protected 156 acres of habitat through World Land Trust’s projects.

Parkside – Enquiry 34

Floorplan celebrates 25 years of pioneering excellence Floorplan Systems Limited, a Lancashire-based leader in Raised Access Flooring, marks a significant milestone as it commemorates 25 years, delivering an exclusive, quality product and exceptional service into the commercial sector. Established in 1998 by founders Gordon Scott, Gordon Taylor, Brian McEvoy, and more recently headed up by Patrick Swift, the company has evolved from a modest startup into a key player in the industry. A standout is the exclusive partnership with JVP, an Italian family run Business which designs and manufactures a wide range of Access Floor Panels. Floorplan enjoys single source rights to import, supply and install these products in the UK.

New sports centre sets new environmental standard A new sports and leisure complex by FaluknerBrowns Architects has set a new environmental standard in ultra-low energy consumption.

With an operational energy consumption of less than 100 kWh/m2 /y, Ravelin Sports Centre uses only one-tenth of the energy demand of an equivalent sports centre. The building is fossil fuel-free and rated BREEAM Outstanding with extensive use of natural and sustainable materials. The large sports hall has been fitted with 1600m2 Junckers SylvaSport solid beech flooring. Well-known for its high quality, performance and user safety, Junckers’ sports flooring also meet the strict criteria for sustainability and longevity required for a building of this standard.

Junckers – Enquiry 36

Floorplan Systems – Enquiry 35

39

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Gradus wall cladding provides hygiene and inspiration A complete wall protection package from Gradus has been installed at the Evelina London Children’s Day Treatment Centre, to create a fun and hygienic atmosphere for children who are undergoing treatment.

T

he centre, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, has been built to provide more life-changing care to children and young people who don’t necessarily need to stay overnight.

The project, delivered by construction company Morgan Sindall, saw Gradus collaborate with Art in Site – a London-based studio of artists and designers - and ADP Architecture, to utilise wall cladding to create a healing and engaging environment for the hospital’s young patients to thrive in.

The space-themed designs were printed onto Gradus SureProtect Artworx cladding for an easy-to-maintain finish. The SureProtect range is specifically designed for use in areas where high levels of cleanliness are crucial.

The smooth surface makes SureProtect

F. Ball makes top story at Channel 4 News

Artworx easy to wipe clean while creating an impermeable barrier to moisture.

It also provides an ideal alternative to ceramic tiles as there is no grouting, which can often harbour bacteria.

Alongside SureProtect, Gradus also supplied Stainless Steel Corner Guards throughout the Day Centre. Designed for use in areas likely to receive the most impact from pedestrians and wheeled traffic, Gradus’ Stainless Steel Corner Guards are hygienic, corrosion-resistant and incredibly durable.

Mitch Dean, Wall Protection National Sales Manager, led Gradus’ contribution to the project, and said working closely with others had proved instrumental to a successful project.

Gradus – Enquiry 37

Altro awarded NHS P23 approval across product ranges

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 300 smoothing compound has been used to create a hard-wearing base for a flooring installation at Channel 4 News’ main broadcast studios in Leeds.

The refurbishment involved installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) over 120m2 at the television broadcaster’s national headquarters located on the south bank of the river in the city centre. Stopgap 300 smoothing compound was applied at a depth of 3mm over the entire subfloor to provide the firm, smooth base over which the floorcoverings could be installed.

Stopgap 300 is formulated specifically for use over subfloors in areas that are subjected to heavy-duty traffic.

Altro has been appointed as a recommended supplier on ProCure23 (P23), the fourth generation of the ProCure framework for the design and construction of NHS capital projects.

With extensive Altro product ranges approved within the scheme, NHS partners can access a comprehensive offering encompassing smooth and safety floors with adhesive-free options, hygienic walls, wall protection, doors, wash stations and resin floors.

The P23 framework builds on the successes of three previous iterations of the ProCure framework that have delivered over £10 billion of projects for the NHS. Altro is an experienced partner having been an approved supplier on ProCure 21 and ProCure 22.

The new P23 framework will provide more flexibility for contractors and bring the latest best practice in construction methods, modern methods of construction and digital infrastructure to the NHS. It has a focus on delivering greener facilities, reducing carbon emissions throughout the process and promoting social value.

F.Ball – Enquiry 38

Sarah de los Rios, Altro’s Commercial and Marketing Director said: “Altro has pioneered many products and developments over the years, and its good news that as part of P23 these will continue to contribute to creating exceptional, cost-effective and durable spaces in health and social care environments.”

Altro – Enquiry 39

40

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Amtico launches second Décor x National Trust collection British flooring manufacturer Amtico has launched its second collection in collaboration with the National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity.

F

ollowing the successful launch of the first collaboration in 2022, the new ‘Amtico Décor x National Trust’ 2023 edit is inspired by elements of the captivating architecture and ornate features of Kedleston Hall, a property cared for by the National Trust in Derbyshire.

The six decorative flooring designs, in meticulously curated colours and patterns, are all created from Amtico’s premium Signature LVT collection with a 1mm wear layer.

The unique geometric shape of Venetian Parquet takes inspiration from the intricate patterns featured on Lady Mary Curzon of Kedleston Hall’s iconic 1903 peacock dress.

Available in Small and Large, Akari Lattice blends authentic Woods with an effortless pattern that shows the grain’s movement and texture.

Influenced by the relief work in the ornate ceilings of the Ante-Room at Kedleston Hall, Corinthian delicately balances square, diamond and circle shapes to create an elegant design.

Temple Diamond takes influence from the intricate ceiling decoration found in Kedleston Hall’s Grand Saloon.

Lorna Williams, Head of Product Design and Visual Creation at Amtico, said: “Where our primary edit celebrated National Trust properties throughout the UK, this Kedleston Hall Edit is particularly special for us. Our design team were mesmerised by this property and its truly unique period features.

“We have curated a collection that seamlessly blends traditional style with a contemporary look and feel to create beautiful and versatile statement flooring for any space.”

Amtico – Enquiry 40

Bring maximum performance to housing projects Xtreme sheet vinyl flooring from Beauflor® brings maximum performance to housing projects, delivering excellent value and enjoying home-like wood and stone designs making it an excellent flooring choice in affordable and social housing

Forbo helps to create a welcoming appearance The School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford, one of the country’s most historic universities, sought to update its flooring.

With the existing floor coverings having become worn and dirty, the university department turned to Forbo Flooring Systems’ integrated portfolio of barrier matting solutions, Nuway and Coral, to create a better first impression for students, staff and visitors. In addition to Forbo’s Coral flooring, the Nuway Bamboo primary barrier matting was also installed, maximising the effect of the flooring scheme as a whole. Given the ease of installation, there was little downtime, allowing access to the building as normal.

Forbo Flooring – Enquiry 41

Xtreme uses a high-performance two-mm thick construction that features a 0.70mm wear layer to withstand heavy industrial use (class 43). This makes it a great choice in busy communal areas, where the need to stand up to intense wear and keep looking good is essential. What’s more, the floor features Beauflor’s Premium Coating for easy maintenance – it can be cleaned with just a mild detergent – and is slip-resistant to 42+ TRRL. Beauflor – Enquiry 42

LVT from the tile specification experts Parkside Architectural Tiles has launched Pronto, a collection of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) giving projects a complementary, high-quality option alongside its range of commercial tiles. The range features authentic wood and stone designs, including herringbone, terrazzo, concrete and marble. The range is designed to offer fast installation with integrated underlay and proven click systems, including DreamClick for multiple laying combinations, and is available in commercial specifications, including 36+ PTV, and residential use specifications. Pronto’s 100% waterproof Tough Core Technology gives this LVT floor a rigid construction that combines with the integrated underlay to accommodate different subfloor conditions.

Parkside – Enquiry 43

41

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Tailored, energy-efficient appliance solutions from contract supply specialist, Beko plc Appliance Partners With a choice of leading brands offering a vast range of technology-rich, integrated and freestanding appliances, Beko plc Appliance Partners provide appliance solutions to complement any modern kitchen design.

B

eko plc Appliance Partners, whose Beko brand is the No. 1 best selling home appliance brand in the UK, are able to supply housebuilders, developers and build-to-rent operators with a selection of cooking, refrigeration, laundry and dishwashing solutions from their popular Beko and Grundig ranges. The company’s Specification Managers provide guidance through the myriad of options available within their contract range, offering advice on maximising available kitchen space whilst ensuring budgets and timescales are met.

“We help our customers select products which not only complement the aesthetics of the kitchens on their project, but also offer excellent functionality, with technology-rich features designed to save homeowners and residents time and money,” says Mike Beech, National Specification Manager for Beko plc Appliance Partners.

“The appliances chosen for a project must be appropriate to the space in which they will be housed, taking into consideration the needs of the end user. Today’s buyers demand more from their kitchens, yet kitchen spaces are getting smaller, heightening the importance of specifying products which utilise challenging floorplans in the most effective way possible. Slimline appliances are ideal for compact spaces, offering all the style and functionality of their full-size counterparts in a scaled-down format. Multi-purpose appliances such as combi ovens/microwaves

AeroPerfect® oven

or Beko’s AeroPerfect® ovens which feature multiple integrated functions including air frying technology and steam assisted cooking negate the need for additional singleserving appliances which clutter up precious countertop surfaces,” explains Mike. Having supplied appliances for a number of years to projects for Redrow, Berkeley, LendLease, Gleeson Homes, Get Living, Placefirst, L&Q and McCarthy Stone, Beko plc Appliance

Partners are no stranger to the new build residential sector, and place a strong emphasis on the partnerships they create with their customers.

“Our relationships with our partners are forged by our dedicated, hard-working specification team, who benefit from a collective 100 years’ experience in the appliance industry, and 60 years supplying to housebuilders and developers,” continues Mike.

“These strong partnerships are built on our reputation of reliably providing quality, energy-efficient appliances at competitive price points, with style and features to rival our more costly competitors. We always strive to deliver the best possible end-toend service to our partners, tailoring our appliance selection and service offering to the specific requirements of each project.”

The Beko plc Appliance Partners’ proposition is one of a holistic nature. As well as assisting with the initial appilance selection process, Specification Managers advise on any relevant installation aspects and work with their customers to manage on-time deliveries.

42

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

With the management of supply and reliable delivery of goods within agreed timeframes and budgets a major concern for homebuiders, Beko plc Appliance Partners work across the entire company to ensure that their partners’ objectives are fully met every time.

Mike adds: “Our partnerships are further cemented with the provision of ongoing support long after our appliances are installed. Our reliable and responsive customer care team are on hand to help both our partners and their customers should any issues arise. We understand that any lessthan-positive experiences reflect poorly on the new home provider, so we are keen to resolve any issues in the most efficient and timely manner possible.”

The company’s operations are strengthened by a robust infrastructure comprising extensive production capabilities, vast storage capacities with stock dedicated to contract fulfilment held at a centrally-located distribution centre here in the UK, and a nationwide network of highly trained service engineers. consider how they are futureproofing their properties. All sectors are facing mounting pressure to deliver exceptional new homes whilst contending with increasingly challenging budgets and legislative restrictions.

Beko Induction Hob

Mike explains: “As a specialist contract supply team, Beko plc Appliance Partners are well-versed in these ever-changing stipulations and we always ensure the products we are specifying not only satisfy, but also exceed the necessary criteria for planning.

“Key considerations will be the energy and water consumption of a product, both in terms of forecasting running and lifetime costs and also assessing the contribution the appliance is making towards a new home’s impact on the environment.”

Whether developers are simply looking for functional appliances with an entry level price point for starter homes or build to rent projects, or more premium, featurerich models to furnish luxurious new homes at the higher end of the market, Beko plc Appliance Partners are able to provide a wide variety of solutions with no compromise on the technology featured within the appliance.

Take, for example, Beko’s award-winning AeroPerfect™ cooking technology, designed to maintain a constant stream of airflow within the oven to minimise temperature fluctuations and enable food to cook quickly and evenly every time.

AeroPerfect™ features in all single built-in ovens across Beko’s contract range, from their entry level model through to the highest specification versions, meaning this innovative technology is accessible to all. All AeroPerfect™ ovens come with an ‘A’ rating for energy usage to help reduce energy bills, and occupants of new homes with busy lifestyles will further appreciate the product’s easily removable glass door and Beko’s SimplySteam™ technology, both designed to enable the appliance to be easily cleaned.

As well as recognising the current and imminent needs of busy households, housebuilders and developers must

In order to help extend the lifespan of their appliances, Beko plc Appliance Partners offer their partners a 5-year parts and labour guarantee, with selected Beko appliances also eligible for an extended 10 year parts guarantee.

These generous guarantees demonstrate the company’s confidence in the durability of their products, whilst offering peace of mind for purchasers of new homes, and providers of rental accommodation who are looking to consolidate any maintenancerelated payments to avoid nasty surprises in the future.

For more information on Beko plc Appliance Partners, visit appliance-partners.bekoplc.com or email appliancepartners@beko.co.uk.

Beko plc Appliance Partners – Enquiry 44

43

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Kinedo launches stunning NEW Kinewall panels No ordinary panel, Kinewall by Kinedo, is a fantastic new range of decorative bathroom wall panels that can transform not just a shower space, but a whole bathroom, cloakroom or utility room.

O

ffering a revolution in materials, a revelation in designs and a remarkably simple installation process, Kinewall offers an abundance of choice to create the perfect bathroom.

There are 70 unique patterns, styles and colours in the range broken down into categories including: • Minerals and metals • Nature • Patterns and geometric • Wood If a customer is looking for a specific design for their space, there are several options available to bring their vision to life.

Whether they prefer an industrial chic, classy panelling, a natural look or an eclectic design, single pattern panels can be used to offer consistency in style, or panels can be mixed and matched to suit their preference. Half and half style works particularly well with this panelling option.

The panels are available in six different sizes: 1000 x 2020, 1250 x 2020, 1500 x 2020, and 1000 x 2500mm, 1250 x 2500, 1500 x 2500, making it possible to accommodate almost any space. These panels are made from highquality materials and are easy to install. They can be cut to the required size on site thanks to their innovative composition of polyethylene core with an aluminium layer on either side.

They are manufactured in France by Kinedo and are exceptional in terms of quality

44

and thermal properties. They are also lightweight, at just 11kg, and easy to handle, making them ideal for installers. These panels are easy to clean and maintain and can be specified with or without profiles depending on the consumer’s preference.

Kinedo has partnered with Ideal Bathrooms to ensure that popular sizes and colour options of their Kinewall product are readily available. Ideal Bathrooms has a vast experience in supplying high-quality bathroom products to a growing retail network across the UK, making them wellsuited to manage Kinewall’s supply. They will keep 21 designs of the most commonly used panel size (1500 x 2500) in stock, and these will be available for delivery the following day. The remaining designs will be available upon order, with a lead time of four weeks.

Will Hickman, Sales & Marketing Director of Ideal Bathrooms, is very excited about the potential of the Kinewall range;

Amanda Mills is Marketing Manager for Kinedo and has overseen the launch plans and the production of a range of support materials for the showrooms, sales teams and merchants; “Kinewall is a wonderful addition to the Kinedo product range. It really is an exceptional product that enhances the shower wall concept and offers additional features and benefits. As well as an unmatched selection of patterns, colours and styles, the tried and tested panels are completely resistant to chemicals, scratches and corrosion. Kinewall is a lightweight, yet inherently strong and durable solution thanks to the innovative manufacturing process”.

Manufactured in France to the highest European quality standards, the Kinewall range has a 10-year warranty offering peace of mind to consumers and looks set to make a huge impact on the bathroom market.

Saniflo – Enquiry 45

“We are excited to announce that we have added a new range of innovative and design-led shower panels to our product portfolio and are pleased to have reached an agreement to distribute these throughout the UK. We are confident that this new range of shower panels will be a hit with our customers, and we have already installed eye-catching displays in showrooms across the country to showcase the range to the trade and consumers alike”

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

THE FUTURE OF WATER SAVING TOILET FLUSHING TECHNOLOGY. . .

IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Enquiry Enquiry46 ?

www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

Did you know that over 4% of UK toilets are leaking?

That is enough water to fill 158 Olympic sized swimming pools EVERY DAY or to put it another way, enough water is leaking from toilets in the UK to fill over 4 MILLION baths EVERY SINGLE DAY. As responsible organisations’ it is our responsibility to help to stop this flow of wasted water.

How can we reduce the number of leaky loos?

The majority of leaky loo’s leak from either the inlet or outlet valve so fitting water saving products to your toilets like our delay fill Dudley Hydroflo inlet valve or our market leading Dudley Turbo Edge toilet syphon will help to reduce the number of leaking toilets you have.

T

hat is a huge amount of wasted water.

According to the recent Leaky Loo report around 4.1% of all toilets in the UK are leaking, that equates to around 1.5 million toilets!

and save you money with less wasted water and reduced call out costs for engineers.

To find out more about our water saving products please do not hesitate to contact us or visit www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde.

Thomas Dudley is a UK manufacturer of high-quality plumbing products and an expert in providing water saving advice.

Dudley Blue is the new green.

Thomas Dudley – Enquiry 47

By doing this you will not only save water but will potentially save a bucket full of money! Fitting water saving products into your toilets is an assured way to reduce the number of leaky loos you have; it will also help to protect the environment

Bristan boosts product options across its kitchen tap range Bristan is boosting its kitchen tap product line up with a host of new and updated product options on offer for 2024.

W

ith upgrades to its established and popular Easyfit range, plus brandnew Pull Out taps and technology enabled enhancements, Bristan’s updated kitchen tap product offer ensures housebuilders have all options covered to meet their specification needs.

Specifically designed to address the challenge of kitchen taps being notoriously fiddly to replace, Easyfit takes the stress out of kitchen tap installation with its Top Fix technology and five step process which means kitchen taps can be fitted in a matter of minutes.

Adding to the existing product line up for 2024 will be five new designs — Acorn, Fern, Maple, Spruce and Spine, together with new finishes to existing products – Renaissance, Raspberry, Monza, Echo & Cashew.

46

It means in total the Easyfit Kitchen Tap collection now features 20 product styles in a range of trend-led finishes including Bristan’s signature Chrome, Stainless Steel, Black, Brushed Brass, Gun Metal and Brushed Nickel.

In Bristan’s Pull Out kitchen tap range, new for 2024 is the addition of five new designs - Axia, Jule, Sabre, Silhouette and Profile, taking the range line up to nine distinctive product options.

A key benefit for 2024 will be the introduction of Bristan’s innovative Eco Start and Thermaclick technology which features in selective products offering increased environmental and safety benefits

respectively — making them the perfect choice for any new-build developments.

The Eco Start feature saves energy by ensuring cold water is set as the default central start position of the tap handle.

Bristan – Enquiry 48

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Ease of installation

Minimal preparation needed

Easy to cut

Lightweight & durable

10 year warranty

More than 70 designs

Easy maintenance

100% waterproof

Beautiful results in double quick time, with no tiles and no grout!

Kinewall decorative bathroom wall panels – Easy to install with minimal preparation work Whether you are adding a shower or renovating a whole bathroom, Kinewall is a quick and versatile solution. With a lightweight and easy to cut and drill composition, on-site installation is a breeze.

What’s more, the Kinedo team works with you; from site visits, installation training, technical assistance and first-class aftercare.

kinedo.co.uk/kinewall Enquiry 49

News & Developments

How rooflight specification can help deliver the Future Homes Standard earlier Glazing Vision examines how rooflight specification can meet the requirements of building regulations today and tomorrow.

The blank canvas of a new project offers the opportunity to deliver much more than the minimum standards required by building regulations. Project teams now routinely look to the promised Future Homes Standard – not due to be implemented until 2025 – as a benchmark for performance.

As a component of the building envelope that must balance energy efficiency with providing natural light and views out, rooflight specification plays a big part in whether that benchmark is achieved.

H

Download Glazing Vision’s new whitepaper ‘Using Rooflights To Design Tomorrow’s Homes Today With Improved Daylight And Ventilation’, which explains how to specify rooflights that meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard.

igh-quality residential developments are no longer defined only by their location and standard of finish.

Stunning architecture, luxurious interiors and high-end amenities are still expected, of course, but there is something else to add into the mix: sustainability. A new home or high-rise development doesn’t

have to be labelled as an “eco home” to be part of the sustainability conversation.

Whether driven by the client, the architect, or the two working in collaboration, at Glazing Vision, we’re seeing that better standards of energy efficiency and comfort, along with healthier interiors, are now normal aspirations.

Gripple achieves carbon neutrality across UK operations

Beko plc Appliance Partners’ parent company secures inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Gripple has released its 2022 Sustainability Progress Report which outlines how it has achieved its first sustainability goal: carbon neutral across its UK operations.

Beko plc Appliance Partners, the specialist appliance solution provider to housebuilders, buildto-rent operators, developers and contractors, have announced that their parent company, Arçelik, have received the highest CSA score in their sector in the 2023 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the 5th consecutive year.

This means that Gripple, through dedicated efforts across its UK business, has managed to achieve emission reduction targets, supplemented with sustainable offsetting to deliver no net impact on the environment, as certified by Planet Mark and in accordance with PAS2060:2014.

Arçelik is once again the highest scoring of the 46 companies assessed in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables Category, with a score of 86/100 earning the company a listing in the highly coveted Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

This achievement demonstrates Gripple’s commitment to comprehensively mitigating its environmental impact. Gripple has reduced its electricity usage from the national grid in 2022, despite adding a new UK manufacturing site.

Gripple – Enquiry 51

www.glazingvision.co.uk/fhs Glazing Vision – Enquiry 50

The CSA is an independent evaluation of some of the world’s largest companies, assessing their sustainability performance and their environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.

Performance in the CSA is then used to determine inclusion in the DJSI, that serves as a shortlist of the highest-scoring companies in the ESG criteria based on a number of global, regional and country benchmarks.

Beko plc Appliance Partners continue to take inspiration from their parent company’s example while on their own sustainability journey. From specifying products with higher energy-efficiency ratings, to working on improving efficiency across their local operations, the company are committed to reducing the carbon footprint for themselves and their partners whilst aspiring to encourage sustainable lifestyles.

Beko plc Appliance Partners – Enquiry 52

48

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Designed by architects Populous, the new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage has transformed this part of the River Thames, not only visually but also in a practical way, by creating world class leisure facilities.

I

n addition to increasing seating capacity and enhancing amenities for supporters, the new stand builds on the legacy of Fulham Football Club, which dates back to 1896. The new development includes restaurants overlooking the river, events spaces, a health club complete with roof-top pool, a boutique hotel and a roof terrace.

The scheme also features a public pathway that will allow an uninterrupted walk along the banks of the River Thames between Hammersmith and Putney Bridges.

Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd handled the demolition of the old stand and construction of the Riverside Stand and they engaged Kaicer Building Envelope Solutions to provide the spectacular glass façade at the rear, overlooking the river.

A specific element of the façade design involved the installation of glazed louvres at high level. Kaicer chose Fieger FLM AirTec

single-glazed louvre vents to meet the requirement. A total of 36 louvre windows were supplied, in varying sizes, comprising 12.76 laminated glass blades.

conditions at other times of the year. The vents were supplied with manual controls, consisting of detachable crank handles to minimize unauthorised use.

The vent framework was powder coated to RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey to give a matt finish matching the surrounding curtain walling. The aluminium framing was preanodized to provide marine grade standard protection.

Glazing adapters were supplied fitted to the vent frames to facilitate installation into the curtain walling system. The FLM model has been tested to EN 14351-1 Windows and doors product standard, as well as to BS6180: 2011 for barrier-loading.

Apart from the aesthetic aspect, the glazed louvres enable airflow through the stand during warmer weather, preventing a build-up of heat, as well as providing a degree of protection against adverse

Fieger – Enquiry 53

News & Developments

Case Study: Fulham FC Riverside Stand – London

Mapei’s best-selling sealant goes green Mapei has introduced an eco-version of its best-selling pure acetic silicone sealant Mapesil AC ECO.

Knightsbridge’s next generation CCT fire-rated downlight With the choice of three colour temperatures and five bezel finishes, the CFR5CCT fire-fated downlight from Knightsbridge is able to adapt lighting to fit the demands of every location.

Providing a versatile three-in-one lighting solution, the CFR5CCT features tri-CCT that provides three colour temperatures: 3000K, Warm White; 4000K, Cool White; and 5500K, daylight. Supplied with a white bezel as standard, the CFR5CCT can be accessorised with interchangeable bezels in five finishes – brushed chrome, matt black, polished chrome, white and brass. Robust and durable, it is easy and quick to install thanks to push-fit terminals for loop in/loop out connections.

Knightsbridge – Enquiry 54

Manufactured using renewable energy and packed in recycled plastic cartridges, the solvent-free sealant provides all of the benefits of Mapesil AC technology - including exceptional strength and durability, resistance to mould and high elasticity – with a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to a quarter.

Other complementary products include UltraCare Smooth Silicone, specifically formulated to work with the BioBlock® in Mapesil silicone sealant and to protect and enhance its function.

Mapei – Enquiry 55

Mapesil AC ECO is designed to form elastic seals between construction materials in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools and other damp environments. It is impermeable to water and gases, resistant to high temperatures, resistant to slightly acid and alkaline substances and has very low emissions of VOC’s.

Certified for all uses in the building industry, Mapesil AC ECO can be used to seal glass, ceramic and anodised aluminium, and joints subject to movements of up to 25%. When combined with Mapei Primer FD adhesion promoter, it can also be used on wood, concrete, plastic, rubber, and painted surfaces. The new formulation is available in 12 colour options which coordinate with Mapei Coloured Grouts Collection.

49

Building Services

A new dimension in design aesthetics A new dimension is being brought to the design of interior spaces with Gilberts’ Series GA swirl diffuser.

Building on Gilberts’ established range of swirl diffusers, the Series GA has a unique contemporary face design intended to deliver dynamism to the interior space, whether the diffuser is an integral part of an exposed building services strategy or inset into a suspended ceiling grid. Gilberts is offering one face plate design as standard, but can, with its in-house design, manufacturing and testing capability, produce bespoke variations of pattern and hole size (subject to order size). Series GA’s innovation extends beyond the aesthetics of the face plate. The plate sits in front of a unique radial pattern air distribution impeller core which can be altered to achieve numerous swirl patterns depending on the space layout and occupancy below.

The Series GA delivers

Exi-tite’s heat pump packaged system for potable hot water HVAC equipment supplier Exi-tite has developed a self-contained potable hot water system using the latest heat pump technology with AI capabilities.

The packaged system can be installed as a permanent fixture or mobile ‘plug-in’ solution across various applications such as offices, hotels and student accommodation, with heating capacities ranging between 13kW and 240kW and low-GWP refrigerant options. Prefabricated off-site, the system is designed to save time, avoid logistical complications, and reduce installation problems that occur with typical on-site works. It is constructed on a structural framework and designed to be wheeled or crane lifted into position.

high volumes of air horizontally with rapid entrainment and mixing capability into the conditioned space- up to 60l/s (GA Type A) or 170l/s (GA Type B)- whether cooling, heating or ventilating. Gilberts’ swirl diffusers are just part of the company’s extensive range of grilles, diffusers and louvres for natural and mechanical ventilation.

Gilberts – Enquiry 56

New high rise flue kits from Keston In line with existing building regulations and standards relating to fire safety, Keston has launched its new stainless-steel HighRise Flue Kit, which provides a simple and compliant solution for high-rise buildings.

Suitable for all buildings in England and Wales higher than 18 meters, the new highrise flue kit from Keston is fully compliant with the latest building regulations (The Building Regulations 2020, Part B – Fire Safety, Volume 1) which require that, amongst other conditions, materials which become part of the external wall in relevant buildings do not contribute to external fire spread. The new kit is also suitable for installations in Scotland above 11 meters.

Keston – Enquiry 57

Adveco upgrades GL carbon steel tanks Commercial hot water specialist Adveco has upgraded its GLC & GLT hot water tanks for 2024.

The GL range of off-the-shelf cylinders offer low-cost carbon steel shells with a high-quality inorganic enamel lining for commercial hot water (DHW) projects requiring direct electric heating, buffer storage, indirect heating or preheat.

Single coil GLC and twin-coil GLT models from 200 to 1000 litres, now incorporate an additional connection located on the upper side of the cylinder providing greater versatility for installation. This addition ensures there are ports available for all common ancillary items, allowing the cylinder to be used effectively in a wider range of applications.

The new connection serves as a dedicated port for a temperature and pressure relief valve, allowing other high-level connections on the front and top of the tanks to be filled with thermostats or sensors and anodic protection ensuring a system operates efficiently and is sufficiently protected from corrosive effects of mains water.

Exi-tite – Enquiry 58

Insulation jackets provided with the 750L and 1000L models have also been upgraded for better thermal performance, minimising standing losses.

The removable jacket aids manoeuvring and installing the tanks in limited access areas.

Adveco – Enquiry 59

50

To make an enquiry – Go online: www.enquire2.com or post our: Free Reader Enquiry Card

Leading provider of security, entrance and access solutions, dormakaba has launched a new escape route system, SafeRoute.

Designed to keep buildings and doors secure whilst allowing a safe means for evacuation in an emergency situation, the new solution is compliant with BS EN 13637 and is ideal for a wide range of applications.

By installing dormakaba’s SafeRoute emergency exit and escape route system, the functionality and security of a building is increased whilst also ensuring swift evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Whether it be for a single door or multiple doors connected over a network throughout a building, with SafeRoute, escape doors can be electronically controlled with a robust, safe exit system.

With the SafeRoute Software or Control Unit System, other components can be connected to create a network that is tailored (and can expand) to meet the specific challenges for the building and the required functionality. For example, it can be integrated with key switches, touch displays and fire detection systems so that when a fire is detected, SafeRoute will automatically activate evacuation alarms, emergency lighting, and signage to guide people along safe escape routes.

Another notable feature is the delayed egress functionality, which can be applied to environments where misuse of a fire escape door or evacuation point is a concern. dormakaba – Enquiry 60

Schüco Excellence Awards 2024 now open for entries Schüco is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2024 Schüco Excellence Awards, marking the eleventh year of the event.

These industry-renowned awards celebrate outstanding design incorporating Schüco façade, window, and door systems.

Presented in partnership with Architecture Today, the awards recognise creativity, innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration to deliver architectural intent.

Participation is open to architects and specialist contractors showcasing projects that integrate Schüco aluminium and steel products and systems. Winning projects will be announced at a celebratory awards lunch to be held at The Pelligon (formerly known as East Wintergarden), Canary Wharf, London on 27th June 2024.

Schüco welcomes entries that cover projects both large and small, in urban and rural locations, and designed by practices and specialist contractors of all sizes.

Winners will feature in a special awards supplement published in Architecture Today and in a special feature online.

Doors & Windows

dormakaba launches BS EN 13637 compliant escape route system

Architecture Today editor Isabel Allen will serve as the chair for the 2024 judging panel, which comprises eight industry experts, including engineers, architects, and façade consultants.

The awards ceremony will honour accomplishments in eleven categories. The deadline for entry is Friday 12th April. For full details and to enter, please visit: https:// excellence-awards.awardsplatform.com Schüco – Enquiry 61

Automatic door servicing solutions from TORMAX With wet and windy weeks ahead, it is important to regularly service your automatic entrance system to ensure it continues working at optimum efficiency, whatever the weather throws at it.

With a nationwide team of in-house trained engineers, TORMAX can deliver a full service and maintenance programme, or one-off emergency repairs, for almost any automatic door.

“At this time of the year it is especially important to schedule a service call to make sure your automatic door remains legal, safe and fully operational at all times,” explains Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK. “A build-up of debris, dirt and leaves, or an ingress of water during heavy rainstorms, can affect the performance of the system or even cause the door to fail entirely.

“A comprehensive service call-out can quickly pick up any potential problems, avoiding long-term damage to the system whilst also providing timely maintenance to maximise the performance of key mechanisms.

Offering a cost-effective solution, TORMAX offers a Planned Maintenance Contract (PMC) with timely call-outs scheduled throughout the year, minimising the chance of inconvenient down-time of the system.

TORMAX is a division of the LANDERT Group, a Swiss-based manufacturer of automatic pedestrian and industrial door systems with over 500 distributors across the globe.

TORMAX – Enquiry 62

51

Floor Mounted

Freestanding

Sovereign Bench

Wall Mounted

Higher Design. Lower Energy.

Introducing Sovereign; energy efficient designer radiators.

Elevate your space with a stylish and modern heating solution that delivers on energy efficiency. Perfect for schools, colleges, universities, offices, care homes and other commercial settings. Make a statement or subtly enhance the design aesthetic with Sovereign designer radiators, the perfect balance of style and sustainability.

For more information:

contourheating.co.uk 01952 290 498

Enquiry 63